BIRD, Barbara Gene (nee Wilcocks)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Barbara on March 5, 2015 with her husband and daughters by her side.

Barbara was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan and raised on a farm. She rode her horse to school and had a very happy childhood. When Barbara became a young woman, she left the farm to attend nursing school at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. Being a caring and loving individual, nursing was a perfect career choice for Barbara. Nursing school enabled Barbara to become part of a nursing “sisterhood” where she formed many long cherished friendships. During a dance at the University of Alberta, Barbara met and later married her devoted husband of 60 years, Duncan. Barbara left nursing to raise her family and years later she completed a nursing refresher program.

Barbara was a truly lovely and gracious woman. She created a wonderful home life for her husband and three daughters. She supported everyone in all their dreams and endeavours. Barbara was a wonderful mother who led by example! She had a great sense of style, always spoke well of others and saw the good in everyone. She was a great listener and only offered non-judgemental advice which was most comforting and appreciated. Treasured highlights with family and friends include summers spent camping at Christina Lake and many years skiing at Whitefish, Montana.

Barbara and Duncan have a wide circle of friends who enjoyed the love of travel, outdoor activities and adventure.

Barbara was an engaged and active woman who was a Girl Guide leader, craft lover, skier, chef, baker, skater, hostess, charity worker, and gardener. She enjoyed her time on the links in Arizona, Whitefish and at the Glencoe Golf Course. Barbara was an avid golfer and later became a small business owner of golf hats.

Most importantly, Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She absolutely cherished her five grandchildren and spent time with each child and made them feel special.

Barbara is survived by her husband Duncan and daughters Karen (John), Dianne (Richard), and Janis (Gordon). Barbara was greatly adored by her five grandchildren J.J., Callie, Taylor, Madison, and Claire.

Memorial Service will be held at Lakeview United Church (3023 – 63rd Avenue S.W.) on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to Bow View Manor, Crowfoot Unit – Recreational Fund. (c/o The Bow View Manor, 4628 Montgomery Blvd. NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0K7)

A special thank you to Daisy Oriel, who provided friendship, love and care to our mother in her time of need. The family will be eternally grateful to the wonderful team on the Crowfoot Unit at the Bow View Manor. Their professional care and loving spirits highly contributed to our mother’s quality of life. To all the family friends and neighbours, thank you for your constant support.

Dearest Duncan and family,
We send you our most sincere condolences on the passing of Barb. We always will remember the fun times we had, especially on the famous bike riding trip in the San Juan and Gulf Islands! The comments about her are a wonderful description of a most wonderful lady. Gentle Hugs, Marilyn and Brian Will

My Condolences to you Duncan and your family on the passing of your beloved Wife and Mother Barbara.
I will always remember Barbara as a classy lady full of smiles and kindness. I enjoyed the walks that we took together in Elbow Valley.
I still have her pink gardening Boots, love them!!
Thanks Barbara, for your friendship.

Duncan and Family……Lynette and I wish to send our condolences on learning of Barbara’s passing. We remember her quiet graceful manner in all things. All the best to you, Duncan, our thoughts are of you today. Norm.

Dear Duncan and Family. We read that your dear Wife, Barbara, passed away recently, and we want to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to you. No mere words can take away your loss or sorrow, but hopefully time will lessen your pain. May the memories of all the special times you shared together, be of comfort and consolation to you now, and in the days ahead.

We remember Barbara with fondness, she was always such an elegant lady! May God grant you His peace!!
Sincerely, Cliff and Marj Fiesel

To Mr. Bird, Karen, Dianne, and Janis. I don’t know if you remember me, it was so many years ago that our family lived across the street from your family in Lake View Village. My mother Lillian Croft was visited by Mrs (Dr.) Duff a week or two ago, here in Victoria, and she heard that Barbara had passed on. I just wanted to pass on our condolences to your family for her loss. Although it has been so many years, I have always relished the great times of my childhood which included playing with Janis at her house. I still have memories of bouncing on her hop-a-long ball in the basement, bouncing on couches and bed to the Winnie the pooh songs, and the great birthday party where Mrs. Bird had a room with string going all over the place and we had to follow our string to the prize at the end – some candy I believe (It might have been Janis’ fifth or sixth birthday party).

Both of my parents are still living in the Victoria area, although my father’s health has been precarious for many years now. My brother, Daryl, lives in Chilliwack BC, Liz is in Vancouver, and Janet now lives in Sooke (a satellite town to Victoria). I recognize that Barbara’s passing was a few months ago now, so hopefully this message will still reach you.